Apple TV Update Expected Soon With Focus On Gaming

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Apple isn't happy with Imagination Technologies.
Apple isn't happy with Imagination Technologies.
Photo: Apple

It has been nearly two years since Apple has released a major update to its set-top box. And now a fourth-gen Apple TV could be announced as soon as March. Today a pair of reports from iLounge and 9to5Mac claim that a new Apple TV will be unveiled within the next couple months.

While the hardware probably won’t be that exciting, Apple is rumored to finally give the product’s software the overhaul it so desperately needs. Some kind of dedicated gaming experience may even be in the cards.

“We’ve heard that developers are currently working on Bluetooth controller options, and it’s expected that games could be downloaded directly to the Apple TV rather than relying on another iOS device as an intermediary,” according to iLounge. So no more needing to stream a game from your iPad to the TV over AirPlay.

Apple added support for physical game controllers in iOS 7. Peripheral makers like LogitechSteelSeries, and Moga have all made Bluetooth controllers designed to work specifically with iOS. Many of these controllers were shown off at CES earlier this month.

“We understand that the product will include a revamped operating system that will be based on iOS,” 9to5Mac reports. It’s unclear as to whether developers will finally be able to make apps for the Apple TV, but something like a “Game Store” could be coming.

It was reported early last year that the Apple TV would be updated in the fall, but that obviously didn’t pan out. For years, Apple has been trying to get content companies on board with its internet streaming-based model of delivering video content through the Apple TV. New channels started getting added via software updates more aggressively last year.

Apple typically holds a media event around March, so expect more on the Apple TV then.

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